Boston to hold public hearing on pot dispensaries

BOSTON (AP) — Boston city councilors plan a public hearing to discuss the possibility of medical marijuana dispensaries setting up shop in the state's largest city.

Councilors Bill Linehan and Frank Baker said they expect local residents, community leaders, dispensary proponents and representative of city agencies to attend the Tuesday afternoon hearing at city hall.

The hearing comes a day after Gov. Deval Patrick said there was no need for the state to restart the selection process for the dispensaries despite reports that some applicants may have provided false or misleading information.

Patrick said none of the 20 applicants approved by the Department of Public Health so far has been granted an operating license. He noted that applicants must verify all the information they have given the state before any licenses are awarded.